3 - 2 - 1...blastoff! 🚀 What's New for Kids is here!

‌

Read online

‌

‌

Your Library’s children’s newsletter has arrived

‌

Hello and welcome!

We can’t wait to share upcoming programs, events, staff news, amazing books for kids and more, at the beginning of each term.

The summer break has been a time for the children’s team to pause and reflect on the year that was, and the year that will be. Hopefully, it has been a time for your family to relax and spend special time together.

At this time of the year, reading tends to slide, so let's start to weave reading back into our daily lives. Reading offers moments to bond with children and, let’s face it, gives everyone a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life! If you have a little one in your care, we understand it can feel overwhelming or daunting to set up a routine with reading. We are here to help!

Keep your eyes open for our Easter school holiday program. Make sure you follow us on Facebook to get the latest information and view our program. Bookings will open Friday 31 March and can be made online, at any branch, or via the phone.

Have a wonderful start to the term! Enjoy the warmth and sun, and we look forward to seeing you all soon.

Emma Wallis

Regional Children's Librarian

‌

Storytime is back!

Great news: Storytime returns to Your Library from today.

We are so excited to be bringing you more wonderful stories, songs, rhymes, and all-round great fun this year! Be sure to check out the updated Storytime schedule as some session times have changed. Our Chinese sessions and our Auslan sessions are also resuming.

We are introducing Gently, Gently, a sensitive storytime (see below) for children who find our regular sessions overwhelming or too busy and loud.

We can't wait to see you!

‌

Find a storytime near you

‌

**Introducing Gently, Gently: sensitive storytimes**

Join us for stories, songs and rhymes for children aged 3-6 years at Belgrave Library, Wednesdays at 9:30am. Aimed at children who may find our regular storytimes overwhelming, these sessions will run for 25 mins, followed by an activity. Families and caregivers are welcome to stay afterwards to socialise in the children’s area. Bookings required.

‌

A special Gently Gently Storytime will be held at at Croydon Library on Wednesday 15 March at 11am and at Realm on Friday 17 March at 10am. Bookings required.

‌

Children's Team news

‌

2023 brings some changes to our Children’s Team:

Rose joined Healesville Library as the Children’s Services Officer towards the end of 2022, after previously working in the same role at Yarra Junction; she is eager to connect with children and their families in Healesville and surrounding communities.

Rachael has been welcomed as our Children’s Services Officer at Yarra Junction Library; she has previously taught in primary schools and is looking forward to sharing her love of literacy with the community.

Catherine will be returning to Bayswater Library at the end of February, after taking parental leave; she is looking forward to returning to the branch and getting involved in storytimes again.

Linda has been acting in the role at Bayswater for the past year, running the children’s programing and events. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Linda for her efforts and dedication to the role.

‌

Rose

Healesville Library

‌

Rachael

Yarra Junction Library

‌

Catherine

Bayswater Library

‌

Reading challenges

‌

Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge

If your child is at school or early childhood education, why not take part in the Premier’s Reading Challenge, which kicks off in Term 1. We work hard to ensure titles are labelled in our libraries, to make the selection process a little easier for you. Not sure where to start? Ask one of our friendly children’s librarians today.

‌

Learn more →

‌

1000 Books Before School

We offer the 1000 Books Before School program, to act as motivation for you and your child to find opportunities in your day to read together. Whether it is before bed, in the bath, or even the same book that was read 20 times earlier that day, it all counts towards the goal of 1000 books! Don't forget, books read at Storytime count towards your goal.

‌

Learn more →

‌

Fun for kids!

‌

Little ones playgroup at Miller's Homestead

‌

Little ones' playgroup and book chat

Fortnightly from Wed 25 January, 9:30am - 11:30am -

Miller's Homestead

Join other families with babies and children aged 0-2yrs, to socialise and share knowledge. Introduce your child to the wonderful world of children's literature and support them on their literacy journey. FREE

‌

Bookings →

‌

Minecraft fun

Mon 30 January, 13 & 27 February, and 27 March, 4pm-5pm

- Rowville Library

Come along to our Minecraft club and play Minecraft Education - craft, create and learn while building a world together!

(Ages 8-13) FREE

‌

Bookings →

‌

Boronia STEAM+ Club

Weekly from Tues 31 January, 4pm-5pm - Boronia Library
Get creative with hands-on projects exploring science, technology, engineering, art and maths. Something different every week! (Ages 6-12) FREE

‌

Bookings →

‌

Challenge, Create and Explore Club

Weekly from Wed 8 February, 4pm-5pm

- Realm Library

Join our after school club and try out some fun and creative activities, as well as meet some new friends! (Ages 6-14) FREE

‌

Bookings →

‌

After school LEGO fun

Thur 23 February, 4pm-5pm

Croydon Library

Come along for a fun-filled afternoon of LEGO, building whatever you can imagine using our LEGO collection! (All ages) FREE

‌

Bookings →

‌

Paul Jamieson - The Music Man

Sat 4 March, 11am + 1pm

- Ferntree Gully Library
Enjoy some groovy fun for the whole family during the Knox Festival by renowned Melbourne children's musician and entertainer, Paul Jamieson, The Music Man. (All ages) Bookings not required. FREE

‌

Chinese kite making

Sat 11 March, 10:30am - 12pm

- Realm Library

Learn the art of traditional Chinese kite making as well as the history of these kites, and have fun making your very own colourful paper kite. (Ages 8-14) FREE

‌

Bookings →

‌

Family board games and trivia

Thur 16 March, 4pm - 5pm - Croydon Library

Join us for some after school board game fun! We will kick off the afternoon with some trivia questions to get your brains thinking, then try out some of our fabulous board games. (Ages 5 - 18) Bookings not required. FREE

‌

Cool concoctions and vibrant volcanos

Thur 16 March, 4pm-5pm

- Rowville Library

Get a handle on the scientific method and make hypotheses with a series of fun experiments! (Ages 7-11) FREE

‌

Bookings →

‌

Bonsai workshop

Sat 18 March, 11am - 1pm - Realm Library

Come and create your very own bonsai tree!
In this workshop, you will learn about the different styles of bonsai as well the techniques used to create and maintain them. Bonsai plants, pots, soil, mesh, and all required tools will be provided. (Ages 8 - 16) COST $10

‌

Bookings →

‌

Easter craft

Thur 30 March, 4pm - 5pm -Croydon Library
Make your own fabulous Easter crafts at Croydon Library. (All ages). FREE

‌

Bookings →

Gully Gardeners - Planting Workshop For Adults And Kids

‌

Gully Gardeners: planting workshop for adults & kids

Wed 12 April, 2pm - 3:30pm - Ferntree Gully Library
Bring along a special adult and join Ajne and Melissa to learn how to strike and plant cuttings, and how to care for them so that they grow into a healthy new plant. We will also learn how to make an origami pot and then plant up some cuttings to take home. (Ages 0-120) FREE

‌

Bookings →

‌

Please note:

Children aged 12 years and under must be accompanied by an adult for all activities.

‌

View more events!

‌

Picture this! Comic book comp

Kids and teens – create your own comic stories and submit them to Your Library! All entries will be in the running for amazing prizes of art supplies, plus extra prizes for local comic book artists. Open to kids and teenagers from all across Victoria, from foundation/prep to Year 12 (18 years old). Closes Friday 31 March, 2023. Good luck, everyone!

‌